Virginia Dignum  VENI 2005 Research Proposal    4
animating organizational models with different individuals, acting according to different
cognitive models and social expectations. The system also provides a graphical interface that
enables the animation of group activity. 
-  Group observations. Human groups will be observed and their behavior analyzed using
empirical experimentation techniques. In order to investigate differences in performance, we
will take given problems and analyze the performance of groups organized according to
different structures. Applicant’s current empirical research analyzes the performance of 16
groups of students (organized as hierarchy or network) on their computer-supported
collaboration during a course assignment. Preliminary results indicate substantial differences in
electronic interaction frequencies, and in the extent the two virtual group structures integrate
literature in their reports.代写澳洲留学生论文 During the project, we plan to extend these experiments to other
types of problems, requirements and organizational structures. In parallel we will observe and
analyze natural groups and communities existing in different organizations (in particular in the
medical field), in order to test the validity of results achieved in the laboratory setting.
-  Triangulation. Results of the empirical observation of human groups will lead to the
adaptation of the simulation models. Conversely, we will use simulation results to introduce
and test new variables on the behavior of natural groups.  We will compare the evolution of
behavior in both the simulation and the experimental human groups as to draw conclusions
about the validity of agent-based simulations as predictors of group behavior. 
-  Evaluation method for group performance. In order to determine the effectiveness of an
organizational structure, measures must be identified that signal the congruence or misfit of
that structure to the organization’s mission and context. For this purpose, we need to identify
indicators or triggers that suggest how an organization is performing. From own research,
simulation results have indicated that extreme changes on resource or population levels are to
be taken as an indication of misfit   [11], whereas others have suggested communication levels
as measure for fitness    [6]. However, no formal evaluation models exist. An important
deliverable of this project is thus the definition of formal evaluation models that incorporate
flexible and dynamic features and enable the capture of an emerging model of causal
relationships, including the identification of potential triggers for change.
2c. Innovation
-  Multidisciplinary: the combined use of theoretical research with empirical research methods, 留学生论文代写网代写留学生论文,英国硕士论文,澳洲论文,留学生论文代写网代写留学生论文,英国硕士论文,澳洲论文